Overview
Stridex is one of the leading acne formulas found in retail stores. Along with Clearasil and Oxy, Stridex continues to be one of the most successful acne products on the market. This formula is unique because, rather than a cream or lotion, Stridex features wiping pads that are soaked in a Salicylic Acid solution. One side of the pads is rough (for exfoliation of dead skin cells) while the other side is smooth (to deliver Salicylic Acid into the pores). Based on this unique approach, we decided to see if Stridex could be considered a full spectrum acne treatment formula.

Featured Ingredients
It is encouraging that most of the Stridex products feature Salicylic Acid as their active ingredient. (One product does contain Benzoyl Peroxide, which we consider to be an inferior acne treating compound.) Salicylic Acid is one of the best acne fighting ingredients available, since it helps to remove dead skin, oil and other clogging material from pores. It also helps encourage the rise of young healthy skin cells to the surface of skin, stimulating a vitalizing renewal effect. Studies show that the maximum effect will be seen with Salicylic Acid included at a 2.0% concentration. While a few Stridex products contain 2.0% Salicylic Acid, not all of them do, meaning that consumers will have to check the label first. 

While the delivery of Salicylic Acid through the use of pads is interesting, we’re not sure if this is the most effective form of delivery. A wiping motion may only deliver a small amount of the active ingredient to skin. A better choice seems to be a lotion or cream that employs QuSomes, a new delivery technology that allows for penetration of Salicylic Acid and other acne fighting ingredients deep into the inner layers of skin for maximum effectiveness. Plus, as impressive as Salicylic Acid is, there is more to treating acne than just this ingredient. Unfortunately, Stridex does not contain Silicol Dioxide for oil control or Inflacin for the calming effect that is required to keep irritation in check.

Web Site at a Glance
The Stridex web site is simple and straight forward. Information on the product, and where to purchase it, is easy to find. Each product is explained clearly, and other features like customer testimonials are added for additional support. In addition, a dermatologist by the name of Dr. Z (Dr. Charles Zugerman) acts as the medical consultant to Stridex and provides some helpful acne tips. 

Pros
- Contains Salicylic Acid, one of the best anti-acne ingredients available

Cons
- Does not contain Silicol Dioxide or Inflacin for added acne fighting support

- Wiping pads may not deliver as deeply as QuSomes or other creams

- No free trial offered

Summary
Because Stridex contains Salicylic Acid, we are fairly confident that this product will help clear most forms of acne. However, because the products contain different concentrations, some Stridex products may not work as well as others. Plus, because Stridex does not contain Silicol Dioxide, Inflacin or other known acne fighters, its effects may only be limited. A three-step system may be preferable.

Overview
AcnEase is not a typical acne solution that is applied to skin. Rather, it is a natural herbal supplement that is taken twice a day in the hopes of counteracting the major causes of acne. While we are aware that some products taken internally may help to support an acne treatment regimen that includes the use of proven FDA-approved medications, we were curious whether a capsule formula like AcnEase could improve acne on its own.

Featured Ingredients
While AcnEase claims to address all of the key causes of acne, the web site then goes on to explain that the main function of the herbs in the formula is to affect the endocrine system in the body, which is responsible for the production of hormones. Building on the theory that these hormones lead to an increase in acne – which may be true during adolescence – AcnEase was formulated with a specific blend of Chinese herbs traditionally used to regulate hormone production. 

However, more than hormones cause acne. The formula does not address perhaps the main cause of acne – oil production. It is the production of oil (sebum) rather than hormones that causes acne in most people. Even though the company does provide some clinical research on the AcnEase formulation, which seems to be 85% effective, the sample size was small (20 teenagers), making us wonder if these results would be seen in a big sample of the population. In addition, a glance at the directions reveals that most people will have to take between 8 to 12 capsules a day, which is quite a large amount.

Web Site at a Glance
As mentioned, the AcnEase web site does contain plenty of information designed to inform consumers about how the formula works and why it may be effective. There is a full ingredient list available, although it did take some searching to find it. Customer testimonials are available, too, showing at least the formula has worked for some people. In addition, the AcnEase web site does explain the small clinical study on the effects of this formula on acne. Even though the company does offer a money back guarantee, there is no free trial available. Plus, we are a bit concerned that the authors of the web site made some factual errors regarding the connection between stress, diet and acne.

Pros
- Detailed information of the product is listed 

Cons
- Clinical study is a small sample

- No free trial offered

- Some inaccurate information about acne is used on the site 

Summary
While the research behind AcnEase may seem promising, the science is just emerging. Due to the small sample size of the study, we cannot be sure if AcnEase will work for most people. But, given the fact that most people will have to take at least 8 capsules a day – and the formula takes a few weeks to begin working – you may want to consider a topical formula with FDA-approved medications like Salicylic Acid first. At least AcnEase could make an additional supportive method for a topical system.

Overview
Clear Pores is a three-part system designed to treat acne from the outside, while also providing nutritional support to decrease the likelihood of future breakouts. While this is a sensible approach to acne, the research staff at ClearSkinReviews.com has yet to find a convincing supplement formula with enough research to back claims that it can impact acne from the inside out. However, as with all of the products that we review, we decided to save our judgment for Clear Pores until conduct a thorough investigation of the system.

Featured Ingredients
Clear Pores consists of three formulas. The Deep Facial Wash and Facial Protection Cream both include the right concentration (2.0%) of Salicylic Acid, which is encouraging. Salicylic Acid is one of the best ingredients available for treating acne and some products (such as TriClear) report that up to 98% of those who use it notice their acne clear within days. The fact that Salicylic Acid is also less likely to dry or irritate the skin (much less than Benzoyl Peroxide or other ingredients) also makes this ingredient a good choice for acne. Unfortunately, the Deep Facial Wash also contains Alcohol 1%, which could undermine the non-irritating potential of Salicylic Acid and dry out the skin for the average consumer.

Even more concerning is the fact that the Clear Pores Herbal Supplement contains several herbs and botanicals that may not have very much research supporting their effects on acne. While Dandelion root, Red Closer and Echinacea applied topically may have protective effects for many kinds of skin conditions (such as psoriasis and eczema), we are not aware of any clinical studies proving their effect on acne. In addition, while Aloe Vera is a wonderful moisturizing and healing ingredient for topical solutions, the Clear Pores Supplement contains Aloe Vera that is meant to be swallowed. To our knowledge, Aloe Vera taken internally may not have any effect on the skin, and may even harm the digestive tract.

Web Site at a Glance
Clear Pores does have quite an impressive web site, containing plenty of information and a full ingredient listing for the products in the system. We appreciate the company’s honesty in full disclosing all of the ingredients, the full product price, and for offering customers a 6-month guarantee on the system. But even with these features, we wish that Clear Pores had also taken the time to include specific research supporting the herbal supplement ingredients and their effects on acne. Pros
- Contains Salicylic Acid in the right therapeutic concentration (2.0%)

- Full disclosure of ingredients and many customer testimonials

Cons
- Alcohol in the Facial wash may dry out skin

- No free trial offered

- No scientific basis for herbal supplement ingredients and their effect on acne

Summary
Even though Clear Pores does many things right, especially by featuring Salicylic Acid in its products, there are too many shortcomings to allow us to fully endorse this system. The use of Alcohol concerns us, as does the shaky logic behind the ingredients in the Herbal Supplement.

Overview
101E Acne Getaway has appeared on various third party sales sites, such as eBay and MSN shopping. Usually this product is only available in retail stores and local herbal and vitamin shops, since it is a natural acne topical solution that contains none of the usual FDA-approved ingredients for the treatment and prevention of acne. Created by Dr. Zhao in China, apparently 101E Acne Getaway received some fame for receiving a 1991 Gold Medal award at an International Invention convention. While this may seem impressive, the true test of an acne product can only be obtained by looking at the ingredients and any scientific research on the product.

Featured Ingredients
It took several days for the research team at ClearSkinReviews.com to locate a full listing of the ingredients for 101E Acne Getaway, since the company does not host its own web site, and even third party online sellers do not list the ingredients. We did find, however, that this formula contains a dozen or so herbal and botanical extracts, including: Radix gentianae, Herba drymaria cordata, Cortex dictamni radicis, Fructus kochiae, Herba menthae, Cortex mori radicis, Radix ledebouriellae, Radix Angelicae dahuricae, Rhizoma dryopteris crassirhizomae and Herba speranskia tuberculata. While we are aware of these traditional Chinese herbs, and do not doubt their use in the centuries-old traditional of Chinese medicine, there have been no studies conducted to illustrate whether they will in fact have any impact on acne whatsoever. Basically, consumers are left to speculate for themselves, which does not seem to be a safe approach to selecting an acne treatment system.

Web Site at a Glance
As mentioned, no separate web site for 101E Acne Getaway is available. Therefore, it is not possible to review this aspect of the product.

Pros
- Did receive an award as an original invention about 16 years ago

Cons
- No scientific support for the use of these Chinese herbs for acne

- No separate web site, and prices vary according to Internet vendor used

- 101E Acne Getaway does not contain any FDA-approved medications for the treatment of acne

Summary
Unfortunately, we cannot recommend 101E Acne Getaway at this time, since the company does not provide enough information to the average Internet consumer. There is simply not any research to show whether the ingredients in this formula can safely treat and prevent acne.